SNAP
Statement

Statement by David Clohessy of
St. Louis,
National Director of SNAP (314 566 9790)

ON THE DECISION TO NOT PROSECUTE FORMER PRIEST MAURICE BLACKWELL
FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE

Blackwell molested several children because Baltimore Catholic officials
did little to stop him. Now, sadly, he may molest more kids because Baltimore
prosecutors are doing little to stop him.

Prosecutors have no crystal balls. They can never predict what a judge
or jury may do. They are supposed to try and protect the vulnerable and
the innocent, not to let criminals go free because they might receive
light sentences.

Even if Blackwell might not spend a day behind bars, convicting him would
help heal past Blackwell's victims and safeguard future Blackwell victims.

A courageous, "can do" prosecutor would issue a strong public
plea urging other victims and witnesses to come forward. Who knows what
other evidence might have surfaced?

Instead, Jessamy offers up weak excuses.

For one impulsive act against one adult criminal, Dontee served 18 month
sentence. For years of calculated, serial attacks on perhaps dozens of
innocent children, Blackwell serves no sentence.

Our hearts ache for Dontee, his family, other Blackwell victims, and Baltimore
citizens who will be less safe because of Jessamy's spinelessness.